Ranking the 10 Greatest Players in Real Madrid History

There seems to be some kind of enchanted path leading to the Santiago Bernabeu that will inevitably entice the world's greatest footballers. Real Madrid have never been short of possessing the leading lights of the sport.

Such is the richness of Real Madrid's history that only one of the current team's players are able to take a place alongside the greats of the club, and fairly so. But it's certainly not Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ronaldo may have smashed a number of records—including that as the most expensive player in the game—but he's still charting out his course among the stars. There's nothing legendary about Ronaldo's presence in world football, but there's no doubt that will change as the player reaches the twilight of his career.

Instead, there's a wonderful selection to choose from, and I'm sure it will hit a nerve among one or two.

But there is certainly be no malice in the celebration of some of the best players ever to play the game.

Alfredo Di Stefano

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There has to be some degree of disrespect from younger fans of the game who talk about how much they loved the Peles, Liam Bradys and George Bests of the game. You can appreciate their status in the game, but will you ever understand their impact and ability on the football pitch?

Alfredo Di Stefano certainly falls into that category. With Di Stefano, his name is synonymous with Real Madrid. Much the same way that Eusebio is with Benfica, you can't imagine the makeup of Real Madrid without some mention of the Argentine who caused much controversy with his move.

Although too young to understand the player's ability, there is enough written in the history books of the game that tells you why Alfredo Di Stefano is considered one of the best.

Di Stefano's legacy will remain untouched as one of the greatest to ever play for Real Madrid.

Zinedine Zidane

Zinedine Zidane arrived at Real Madrid as the most expensive and best player in the world. On some level, you've got to admire a club who can cast such a spell over the greats of world football.

Zidane's ability on the pitch was nothing short of art, and definitely not that strange kind of art that leaves you scratching your head. Zidane highlighted everything that was wonderful about the beautiful game.

His volley against Bayer Leverkusen will forever be immortalised as one of the greatest moments of the modern game.

Hugo Sanchez

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Hugo Sanchez is another one of those players who pass the younger generations by. And it certainly has nothing to do with a lack of respect for his ability.

Sanchez is striker who had a wonderful spell at Real Madrid, one of many great forwards. His predatory instincts in front of goal rank him up there with the legends of the game and specifically with Los Blancos.

His reputation as one of the deadliest strikers in the game did a lot for the trophy cabinet, collecting five La Liga titles during his time at the Bernabeu.